State Lands Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Nrs2)/Nrs1 In-Training

State Lands Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)/NRS1 In-Training

Recruitment #2024-6-6975

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position

Location: South Puget Sound Region-Tumwater, WA

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Work Hour flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $3,811.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly

The salary range listed includes a general wage increase of 3% for all state employees effective July 1, 2024.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Black Hills District. Are you someone who loves the outdoors and is passionate about becoming a State Lands Forester working for Washington State? If you love working outdoors, appreciate the natural environment, have good forest management skills, a working knowledge of timber harvesting methods, and enjoy being a part of a high-functioning team, then this job might be for you. The DNR's, South Puget Sound Region is looking for a State Lands Forester to join our Black Hills District.Responsibilities:

This position serve as entry level or lead forester working with a team of foresters under the supervision of the Littlerock Unit Forester within the Capitol Forest. The chosen candidate will work independently part of the time but have regular interaction with other foresters, forest engineers, other natural resource professionals, as well as other agency/organization members, stakeholders, and the public. The positions responsibilities are split between pre-sales and timber sale compliance. This position also responds to public and other agency requests relative to State Lands management within the Littlerock unit in the Black Hills District.

• Pre-Sales:

• Layout of timber sales including harvest unit design, initial road location, and selection of harvest methods in compliance with the Habitat Conservation Plan.

• Devise silvicultural prescriptions to successfully regenerate harvest areas.

• Complete pre-sale documentation packets containing maps, informational reports, and environmental documents.

• Timber Sale Compliance:

• Review and interpret the application of the contract requirements utilizing knowledge of Timber Sale objectives and contract terms to ensure contractual obligations are met.

• Calculate payment securities and billing schedule utilizing knowledge of fiscal principals associated with road construction and timber harvest to ensure fiscal obligations of the contract are met and to manage financial risk for the department and trust beneficiaries.

• Recognize the need for and initiate specialist consultations and Interdisciplinary Team Meetings using knowledge of HCP, policy, rules and regulations to ensure environmental, social, and political objectives are met.

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12-24 month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS2 In-Training) or Natural Resource Specialist 2, depending on qualifications.

Required Qualifications:

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS2 In-Training)  

(Salary range: $3,811 - $5,117 per month):

• An Associate's degree in forest management or related natural resource field;

OR a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.

• Knowledge of general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression, logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, statistical analysis).

• Knowledge of basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.

• Computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ARC-GIS, ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs.

• Knowledge of navigating using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthophotos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and chain.

• Experience using GPS devices.

• Dedication to a Safe Workplace: Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and development of a safe and healthy work environment.

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.

• Effectively work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.

• DNR Core Competencies:

• Personal Accountability

• Value Others

• Compassionate Communication

• Inspire Others

• Commitment to Excellence

Natural Resource Specialist 2  

(Salary range: $4,299 - $5,783 per month):

• An Associate degree in forest management or related natural resource field; AND one year of forestry experience at the entry level;

OR a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.

• Experience in general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression,

logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, statistical analysis).

• Experience in basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.

• Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ArcGIS, ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs.

• Experience in navigating using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and chain.

• Experience using GPS and ArcGIS to create maps.

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental justice practices.

• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.

• Dedication to a Safe Workplace: Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and

development of a safe and healthy work environment. Being empowered to identify, resolve or mitigate observed safety concerns.

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.

• Effectively work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• A majority (70%) of the work is performed in isolated unimproved natural forestry settings. The individual must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Office work requires use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g. desks, files, cabinets, computers, telephones, fax machines, copy machines, etc.).

• Position requires large majority (70%) of time in the field and traveling between sites in the work unit. Occasional travel out of the work area is required.

• Obtain and maintain a WSDA Pesticide Applicators License.

• A valid unrestricted driver's license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, which includes coursework in silviculture and mensuration.

• One year of professional forestry experience.

• Knowledge of Policy for Sustainable Forests, Habitat Conservation Plan, and related agency policies.

• Experience with inspecting, instructing, and working with camp and contract crews to ensure silvicultural prescriptions are met.

• Knowledge of Forest Practice Rules and SEPA process.

• Experience using GIS and ArcGIS products.

• Experience in young stand establishment and maintenance practices and treatments.

• Experience with logging and forest road construction equipment.

• Experience with the timber sales process and contract administration.

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position

• If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply! Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).

• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.

• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.

• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.

• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

• Complete all supplemental questions.

• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions?  Please contact Brady Dier at brady.dier@dnr.wa.gov/360-751-9188 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision

- Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission

- Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being

• Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.

• Public Service

• We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.

• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving

• We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.

• Leadership and Teamwork

• We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness

• Work/life balance

• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)

• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more

• Leadership that empowers and supports employees

• Professional development opportunities

• Educational and career development aid

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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